OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A bill that would reauthorize a Department of Energy natural gas vehicle research, development, demonstration and deployment program for five years has overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House.

Rep. John Sullivan, an Oklahoma Republican, sponsored the legislation, which passed by a 393-35 margin on Tuesday. The aim of the bill is to bring more natural gas-powered cars to market.

During the research and development period authorized by the bill, natural gas conversion systems would be streamlined with federal requirements to try and make gas mileage in natural gas vehicles more efficient and emissions cleaner.

Sullivan says he believes natural gas should play a key role in helping the U.S. decrease its dependence on foreign sources of oil.